Cucumber, Onion, and Tomato Salad - A Summertime Staple Recipe (2024)

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This classicCucumber, Onion and Tomato Salad is a refreshing summertime dish that is commonly served at most picnics and gatherings. And it is definitely a staple refrigerator item in our house during the months of June, July and August.

It makes for a perfect side dish and pairs well with almost everything! Although there are many variations on what type of dressing to make, we love this combination.

It has the perfect balance of the vinegar tang mixed with a little bit of sweetness that will have you eating this all summer long!

And this dish is very versatile. Because cucumbers are ready to pick much earlier than the tomatoes, we sometimes skip the tomatoes and make this recipe with only cucumbers and onions.

However, there is nothing better than tasty combination of eating fresh picked cucumbers, onions and tomatoes that have been marinating in a sweet vinegar dressing!

Cucumber, Onion and Tomato Salad Recipe

*Complete recipe instructions including specific measurements, cook temperatures and times are located in a printable recipe card at the bottom of this article. However, be sure to keep reading for helpful tips and tricks when making this recipe.

INGREDIENTS:

  • Cucumbers
  • Onion
  • Tomatoes
  • Distilled white vinegar
  • Sugar, or sugar substitute
  • Salt
  • Fresh ground black pepper

INSTRUCTIONS:

The first step in making this cucumber, onion, and tomato salad is to prepare the vegetables. Start by cutting the ends off each side of the cucumbers.

Then you must decide whether or not that you want to peel them. Although the skin of cucumbers contain many nutrients, including fiber and vitamin A, our family prefers to eat them with the peels removed.

However the choice is completely up to you. It will not change how the cucumbers absorb the liquid that they are submerged in.

Then slice each cucumber into 1/8 inch rounds. You can do this with a sharp knife or use a mandoline slicer.

However, if cucumbers typically cause bloating or indigestion for you or your family members, I would suggest you remove the seed core.

Do this by slicing the cucumber in half lengthwise and then use a spoon to scoop out the center of the cucumber. Then proceed with slicing the cucumber.

But instead of having cucumber circles you will have cucumbers that resemble a moon shape. Then place the cucumbers in a medium size bowl and set aside while you slice the onion.

Cut The Onions

You can use any type of onion that you have on hand. However, different types of onions will impact the overall flavor of your cucumber, onion, and tomato salad.

If you prefer sweeter onions, use those. However, if you like red or white onions, it is okay to use those as well.

No matter what onion you choose, peel the skin off and then cut the onion in half from the top to the bottom. Then flip the cut side down and cut it into thin strips.

Once the onion has been cut, add the slivers to the bowl with the cucumbers.

Prepare The Tomatoes

Now it is time to cut the tomatoes. First wash and core the tomatoes. Then cut the tomatoes into wedges using a serrated knife.

Again, you can use whatever variety of tomatoes that you have on hand. I prefer to use plum tomatoes because they have less seed core than other varieties.

However, in the middle of summer when my cherry tomato plants are out of control, I use those instead. Although I don’t add them in whole.

Instead I slice them in half so that the tomato can fully absorb the vinegar/sugar mixture. Once you have your tomatoes sliced, add them to the bowl with the cucumbers and onions.

Now it is time to prepare the dressing for your cucumber, onion, and tomato salad.

Dressing Instructions

In a small bowl add the vinegar, sugar, salt and pepper. Then whisk vigorously until the sugar is completely dissolved.

Feel free to adjust the sugar to your liking. The amount listed below (in the printable recipe card) is meant to be a guideline which pleases the average person.

However, tastes vary and the amount of sugar can vary as well. In addition, if you don’t want to use sugar at all you can leave it completely out or use a sugar substitute such as honey, stevia, or agave nectar.

Once the dressing has been made, pour the liquid mixture over top of the cumbers, onion and tomato salad. Then use tongs or a large spoon to toss the mixture well.

Before you place the salad in the refrigerator, be sure to submerge the veggies as much as possible in the vinegar mixture.

But don’t worry if they can’t all be in the liquid. Because as the mixture melds together, more liquid will be released by the veggies.

Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, but preferably overnight for the best flavor.

Once you have eaten some of the cucumber, onion, and tomato salad, feel free to reuse the dressing. Simply add fresh veggies to the liquid mixture and refrigerate as instructed.

You can do this 2-3 times. After that, I would suggest discarding the vinegar mixture and start from scratch again.

Enjoy!

Mary and Jim

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Cucumber, Onion, and Tomato Salad - A Summertime Staple Recipe (6)

Cucumber, Onion, and Tomato Salad

Cucumber, Onion, and Tomato Salad - A Summertime Staple Recipe (7)

Refreshing summertime salad that has the perfect balance of tang and sweetness that will have you coming back for more!

Ingredients

  • 3 medium cucumbers (peeled and sliced 1/8 inch thick)
  • 1 medium onion (sliced in half moons)
  • 3 medium plum tomatoes (cut into wedges)
  • 1/2 cup distilled white vinegar
  • 1/4 cup sugar (or sugar substitute )
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper

Instructions

  1. Combine the cucumbers, onions and tomato ingredients in a large bowl.
  2. In a small bowl combine the vinegar, sugar, salt and pepper and whisk until well incorporated.
  3. Pour liquid mixture over top of the cucumber mixture and toss well to coate.
  4. Refrigerate at least 2 hours before serving.

Notes

You can continue to add fresh veggies to the liquid mixture as long as the veggies continue to get coated in the dressing.

Recipe courtesy of Old World Garden Farms

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

6
Amount Per Serving:Calories: 70Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 711mgCarbohydrates: 16gFiber: 2gSugar: 12gProtein: 1g

Nutritional Information is to be used as a general guideline only . Nutritional calculations will vary from the types and brands of the products used.

Cucumber, Onion, and Tomato Salad - A Summertime Staple Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Why you can't eat cucumber and tomato at the same time? ›

Additionally, they both have a completely different way of digestion, so this combination must be avoided as it can lead to stomach upset." We frequently blend vegetables while creating salads, soups, stews, sabzi, or curries, yet every item digests at a different rate.

What are the benefits of onion tomato and cucumber salad? ›

Can diabetics, heart patients and over weight individuals have Tomato, Cucumber and Onion Salad? Yes, this recipe is good for diabetics, heart and weight loss. Tomatoes are extremely rich source of Lycopene. Tomatoes are a powerful antioxidant, super rich in Vitamin C, good for heart.

Is tomato and cucumber a good combination? ›

Cucumber and tomato are both eaten together in salads. But this is not the right food combination in terms of health. Actually, the way these two are digested is completely different, so eating them together should be avoided.

Why we should not eat cucumber at night? ›

According to experts, eating a large amount of cucumber makes the stomach feel full and satisfied. However, they should be avoided at night as consuming too much can cause bloating and sleep disturbances.

What does cucumber and onions do for the body? ›

Digestive benefits: Raw onions contain prebiotics, which are non-digestible fibers that nourish the friendly bacteria in your gut and help improve digestion. Cucumbers are also a good source of water and fiber, which can help to keep your digestive system running smoothly.

Can I eat cucumber salad everyday? ›

Cucumbers contain upto 96% water content, which can keep you hydrated and meet daily needs. Getting enough water through fruits and vegetables ensures that cells get proper nutrition, you fight off exhaustion and stay energized through the day. Hence, cucumbers make for a good snacking option as well. Yes!

What does cucumber and lettuce do to your body? ›

Tomatoes, cucumbers, and lettuce can be a healthy and nutritious combination when eaten together as a salad. All of these vegetables are low in calories and high in fiber, which can help keep you feeling full and satisfied. They are also rich in vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C, vitamin K, and potassium.

What should not be mixed with tomato? ›

Tomatoes, which are considered acidic, do not mix well with starchy carbs such as pasta. This already-cumbersome combo turns into a recipe for digestive problems when you add dairy to it.

How long should I wait to drink water after eating cucumber? ›

However, due to very smooth bowel movements, there is an increased risk of loose stools and diarrhoea if you drink more water on top of the cucumber. So go ahead and eat a lot of the nutrient-rich vegetables; just try to wait at least 20 minutes between eating cucumbers and downing a glass of water.

Can you eat raw cucumbers and tomatoes together? ›

Thus, most of the times, the combination of cucumber and tomato is advised to be avoided. Another reason is that they both have a completely different way of digestion, Hence, they must not be consumed together as this combination can lead to acid formation and bloating. "

Which vegetable should not be eaten together? ›

Some Useful Tips to Aid Digestion
DON'T EATWITH
Nightshades, e.g., potato, tomatomelon; cucumber, dairy products
Radishesbananas, raisins; milk
Tapiocafruit, especially banana and mango; beans, raisins, jaggary
Yogurtfruit; cheese, eggs, fish, hot drinks, meat, MILK, nightshades
9 more rows

What food should not be eaten with tomatoes? ›

Spicy Foods and Acidic Foods

Spicy foods are known to irritate the digestive system, which can cause discomfort for some people. When combined with acidic foods such as tomatoes or citrus fruits, the spice may increase stomach acid production, which can lead to heartburn and discomfort for some people.

Which fruit should not be eaten together? ›

Acidic and sub-acidic fruits such as grapefruits, strawberries, apples, pomegranates, and peaches, should never be combined with sweet fruits such as bananas and raisins. This is because it often leads to digestive problems, nausea, acidosis, and headaches.

When should you not eat cucumbers? ›

Cucumbers with an acrid or sour smell should not be eaten.

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